Wizardry #4 -THE RETURN OF WERDNA-

Released in 1988 for the PC-8801, *Wizardry #4: The Return of Werdna* is a groundbreaking title that inverted traditional conventions by casting the player as the arch-villain Werdna, who must escape his own treacherous dungeon. Unlike its predecessors, this installment replaces party-based adventuring with a unique summoning system, requiring players to control various monsters to defeat the bands of heroes obstructing their path to the surface. Renowned for its extreme difficulty and intricate puzzles, the game stands as a significant pioneer in the "villain-protagonist" subgenre. It offers a challenging and distinctive perspective on the legendary *Wizardry* series, testing the limits of strategic thinking and dungeon navigation.

One hundred years after being defeated and sealed away by adventurers, the dark wizard Werdna awakens in the depths of his own labyrinth. As Werdna, players must navigate through the dungeon from the lowest level to the surface while reclaiming the stolen Amulet of Werdna from the legacy of the Mad Overlord Trebor. Along the way, the player utilizes the power of summoning creatures to defeat persistent parties of wandering adventurers. This unique adventure forces players to overcome complex traps and puzzles, reversing the traditional roles of hero and villain in a quest for revenge and escape.